A head-to-head comparison of soluble dietary fibers on microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid production using the in vitro TIM-2 system.

Soluble dietary fibers (SDFs) are recognized for their health benefits through their fermentation and gut microbiota modulation. Previous studies focused on individual SDFs without sufficient structural information and a comparative analysis using different SDFs on microbiota composition and function is lacking. The present study aimed to determine key structural features of different SDFs, including soluble resistant starch (SRS), inulin (INU), four structurally diverse pectins (PS1 to PS4), one pectic derivative (PS5) and larch arabinogalactan (AG).

Analysis of influencing factors and equity in hospitalization expense reimbursement for mobile populations based on random forest model: a cross-sectional study from China.

Background: Continuously improving the accessibility of hospitalization expense reimbursement and reducing the medical expense burden on the migrant population are crucial objectives of China's health insurance system reform. Existing research lacks comprehensive analyses of the current status of hospitalization expense reimbursement for the migrant population, and insufficiently addresses the factors influencing reimbursement and equity. The study aims to identify the key factors influencing the hospitalization expense reimbursement for China's migrant population and to further analyze the equity of this reimbursement.

Using homologous network to identify reassortment risk in H5Nx avian influenza viruses.

The resurgence of H5Nx reassortment has caused multiple epidemics resulting in severe disease even death in wild birds and poultry. Assessing H5Nx reassortment risk is crucial for designing targeted interventions and enhancing preparedness efforts to manage H5Nx outbreaks effectively. However, the complexity in H5Nx reassortment, driven by the diversity of influenza A viruses (IAVs) and wide range of hosts, has hindered the effective quantification of reassortment risk.

Medulla-free barb rami highlight the morphological diversity of early feathers.

Recent advances have deepened our understanding of the evolutionary and developmental origins of feather branching architectures. However, the internal tissue differentiation within these branches has received limited attention. This study examined eight fossilized feathers preserved in early Late Cretaceous Burmese amber, characterized by barb rami composed entirely of cortical tissue with no internal medulla.

Smart functional binders empowering lithium-sulfur cathodes with enhanced atmospheric stability and catalytic kinetics.

Although lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have attracted considerable research attention, several critical barriers must be overcome to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale achievements and practical commercial applications. For example, the notorious polysulfide shuttle effect, severe electrode volume changes, and challenging solid-liquid-solid conversion reactions. In this study, we have developed a multifunctional binder by incorporating cobalt(II) phthalocyanine (CoPc) into conventional poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) at a relatively lower processing temperature, which induces the phase transformation of α-PVDF to β-PVDF, thereby constructing an enhanced localized electric field with three advantages: (1) superior adsorption capabilities and catalytic activity, (2) robust mechanical properties that accommodate substantial volume fluctuations during cycling, and (3) excellent hydrophobic properties allowing for long-term storage in air.

Dual electronic-ionic conductive 3D current collector for stable lithium metal anodes.

Lithium metal anodes (LMAs), despite their exceptional theoretical capacity, face critical challenges, including uncontrolled dendrite growth and significant volumetric expansion during lithium (Li) deposition/stripping, which confront substantial commercialization barriers. To address these limitations, we propose a nitrogen-doped (N-doped) carbon nanosheet encapsulating cobalt phosphide (CoP) nanoparticles in situ grown on a three-dimensional (3D) carbon cloth (CC) framework (CC@CoP-NC), creating a dual electronic-ionic conductive 3D current collector to molten Li pre-storage. The porous 3D architecture remarkably decreases local current density and ensures adequate space, while the combination of the N-dopants with strong Li affinity and inlaid CoP nanoparticles endow CC with excellent lithophilicity ensuring uniform Li nucleation.

Clinical application of the urinary lipoarabinomannan (AIMLAM) test in PLHIV with TB.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance and clinical utility of a new antigen test for the detection of urinary lipoarabinomannan (AIMLAM) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) with comorbid tuberculosis (TB).

Methods: This study included 82 PLHIV who were presumed to have TB and were admitted to Yunnan Infectious Disease Hospital from December 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024. General clinical data were collected.

Weight loss dietary knowledge, attitudes, and practices among different body weight groups in Northeast China.

Unhealthy dietary habits are prevalent in Northeast China, contributing to a high prevalence of obesity. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the general population regarding weight loss dietary patterns in this region, with additional analysis of normal weight or underweight versus overweight and obesity subgroups. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2024 in Liaoning Province, China, using a self-administered questionnaire to collect demographic information and KAP scores.

Temporal patterns and environmental drivers of the red junglefowl vocalization.

The vocalization behaviour of birds is influenced by multiple factors, such as reproductive status, photoperiod and climatic conditions, which drive adjustments in their calls to respond to environmental changes. This study employed passive acoustic monitoring and automated signal recognition technology to analyse the daily and seasonal variations in the vocal rhythms of the red junglefowl Gallus gallus jabouillei over a complete annual cycle, examining the impact of climatic factors on their calling activity. Results revealed significant diurnal and seasonal variations in the vocalization behaviour of red junglefowls.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Extract Modulates the Gut Microbiota Composition and Activity in the TIM-2 In Vitro Model of the Colon.

Phenolic compounds, abundantly found in medicinal herbs, may promote health by modulating the gut microbiota. Yarrow is a traditional remedy for digestive and non-gastrointestinal diseases with unexplored interaction with gut microbes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of yarrow extract and a phenolic mixture comprising apigenin, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids on the gut microbiota using the TIM-2 in vitro system.

DEKP: a deep learning model for enzyme kinetic parameter prediction based on pretrained models and graph neural networks.

The prediction of enzyme kinetic parameters is crucial for screening enzymes with high catalytic efficiency and desired characteristics to catalyze natural or non-natural reactions. Data-driven machine learning models have been explored to reduce experimental cost and speed up the enzyme design process. However, the prediction performance is still subject to significant limitations due to the variance in sequence similarity between training and testing datasets.

Population Monitoring of the Red Junglefowl Based on Acoustic Signal Recognition Technology.

Vocalisation is a crucial means of communication for birds and plays a key role in survival and reproductive success. Individual differences in songs have been used for identification in many animals, but few studies have integrated song individuality into wildlife population monitoring. The male red junglefowl is a tropical forest bird that primarily uses acoustic signals for conspecific communication.

Host personality and seasonal parasitism risk do not account for egg rejection behavior in the azure-winged magpie.

Brood parasitism reduces the reproductive success of hosts and many host birds have evolved a range of anti-parasitism strategies, including egg recognition and egg rejection. Recent studies have shown that host egg rejection behavior can vary according to personality traits and parasitism risk. However, these relationships have not been clearly determined.

Comparative efficacy and safety of febuxostat and allopurinol in chronic kidney disease stage 3-5 patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia: a network meta-analysis.

Objective: This study evaluates and compares the effectiveness and safety of febuxostat and allopurinol in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3-5 patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia using a network meta-analysis.

Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis were conducted, adhering to PRISMA-NMA guidelines. Searches included PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Chinese databases up to June 2024.

Enzymatically deamidated pork myofibrillar protein can form thermo-reversible gels.

By using protein-glutaminase (PG) deamidation, thermo-reversible gel of pork myofibrillar protein (PMP) can be prepared. This study aims to reveal the connection between PMP thermo-reversible gel and the coiled-coil. The research explores how the water-holding capacity and reversibility of these gels improve with increased deamidation time.

Intracellular osteopontin potentiates the immunosuppressive activity of mesenchymal stromal cells.

Introduction: Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based cell therapy is a promising approach for various inflammatory disorders based on their immunosuppressive capacity. Osteopontin (OPN) regulates several cellular functions including tissue repair, bone metabolism and immune reaction. However, the biological function of OPN in regulating the immunosuppressive capacity of MSCs remains elusive.

Three new taxa of the lichen genus (Megasporaceae, Ascomycota) from China.

Two new species; Lun Wang & Y. Y. Zhang, Lun Wang & Y.

Demographic and clinical factors correlated with clinical outcomes among people with HIV treated by antiretroviral therapy: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: As is known, CD4 cell count is a significant parameter predicting HIV progression, opportunistic infections and death in HIV-infected individuals, as well was an important indicator for initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). In China's National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program, people with HIV (PWH) on ART can receive a CD4 count test at least once every six months. Importantly, the baseline CD4 count (before ART initiation) is significantly correlated with ART and even prognosis, but the influence of the peak CD4 cell count on ART and/or clinical outcomes is still unknown.

Deficiency of UCHL1 results in insufficient decidualization accompanied by impaired dNK modulation and eventually miscarriage.

Background: Miscarriage is a frustrating complication of pregnancy that is common among women of reproductive age. Insufficient decidualization which not only impairs embryo implantation but disturbs fetomaternal immune-tolerance, has been widely regarded as a major cause of miscarriage; however, the underlying mechanisms resulting in decidual impairment are largely unknown.

Methods: With informed consent, decidual tissue from patients with spontaneous abortion or normal pregnant women was collected to detect the expression profile of UCHL1.

Combination of percutaneous thermal ablation and adoptive Th9 cell transfer therapy against non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the predominant malignancies globally. Percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA) has gained widespread use among NSCLC patients, with the potential to elicit immune responses but limited therapeutic efficacies for advanced-stage disease. T-helper type 9 (Th9) cells are a subset of CD4 effector T cells with robust and persistent anti-tumor effects.

DNA-PK-Mediated Cytoplasmic DNA Sensing Stimulates Glycolysis to Promote Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Malignancy and Chemoresistance.

Unlabelled: Detection of cytoplasmic DNA is an essential biological mechanism that elicits IFN-dependent and immune-related responses. A better understanding of the mechanisms regulating cytoplasmic DNA sensing in tumor cells could help identify immunotherapeutic strategies to improve cancer treatment. Here we identified abundant cytoplasmic DNA accumulated in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) cells.

The phylogeny and taxonomy of (Caloplacoideae, Teloschistaceae), reveal three new species from Southwestern China.

Several specimens of from Southwest China are morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from currently recognized species in the genus. These specimens are here accommodated within a new species, Li J. Li & Printzen.

Evaluation of the Accuracy of a Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Assay for Polymerase Tifilon Mutation Detection in Endometrial Carcinoma.

Context.—: Molecular stratification of endometrial carcinoma provides more accurate prognostic information than traditional clinicopathologic features. However, because next-generation sequencing is typically recommended for polymerase tifilon (POLE) mutation detection, the practical application of a test based on molecular stratification is limited in the clinical setting.

The Superaerophobic N-Doped Carbon Nanocage with Hydrogen Spillover Effort for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution.

Under the high current density, the excessive strong adsorption of H* intermediates and H accumulation the catalysts are the major obstacle to the industrial application of hydrogen evolation reaction (HER) catalysts. Herein, through experimental exploration, it is found that the superaerophobic Nitrogen (N)-doped carbon material can promote the rapid release of H and provide H* desorption site for the hydrogen spillover process, which makes it have great potential as the catalysts support for hydrogen spillover. Based on this discovery, this work develops the hydrogen spillover catalyst with electron-rich Pt sites loaded on N-doped carbon nanocage (N-CNC) with adjustable work function.